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Kerber stays positive to grab first round win at China Open

Xinhua, October 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

Top-ranked Angelique Kerber of Germany defeated qualifier Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic to advance into the second round of the China Open on Monday.

Kerber, 28, who is the oldest player to make her debut at World No.1, encountered some challenges from the 20-year-old Czech and sealed the game with a 6-4, 6-4 win.

"She played really well, especially in the first set. I was trying to being patient and waiting for my shots and for my chances, just trying to moving her a lot, just going for it when I have the chance." said Kerber.

Kerber grabed two Grand Slam titles this year to rise to the World No.1 after winning the US Open. The German said she has become more calm and positive on the court than before.

"I think it came from a lot of experience, to being really focusing and trying to being more positive on court.

"I think I improved a lot. I know that I can still improve, but I think this is also one of the keys why I'm playing so good and so consistent, because it's really important to have your mind on the court and just thinking about the match right now." Kerber said.

Kerber has already qualified for 2016 WTA Finals in Singapore, but she doesn't want to be distracted from it.

"It's for sure a better feeling to knowing that I'm already qualifying for Singapore. I know that I don't have this pressure anymore. But still I'm playing matches here to win good matches. I'm focusing on this tournament because it's still a big one and I would like to play good tennis and win a lot of matches here." Endit